Foreign Secretary hits local campaign trail in Hedge End

Hedge End voters were surprised to see the Foreign Secretary Phil Hammond out and about canvassing in the town.

The Conservative front bencher was campaigning in support of Jerry Hall who is the Conservaitve Candidate for St John’s Ward in the Borough Election and he was accompanied by Mims Davies who is hoping to become Eastleigh’s next MP.

Hammond is the latest high profile Conservative to visit the constituency which hightlights its importance to the party as a marginal target seat – previous vistors have included the Chanclellor of the Exchequr who visited Botley and the Prime Minister who visited Bursledon community centre

Eastleigh is one of 23 seats the tories say they need need to win in order to return to Parliament with an outright majority.

After meeting some of Hedge End’s voters on the doorstep Phil Hammond said:

“Mims Davies is an excellent candidate, running a strong local campaign.

“Knocking on doors around Hedge End, it was clear that she has strong support, and that local people want to see the work we are doing to turn the country around continuing.”

Hammond was pfreviously the Defence Secretary and the Conservatives say that the defence budget and the armed forces covenant came up during their conversation. with residents.

Jerry Hall said he was “pleased’ to be supported by the Foreign Secretary and Mims Davies adding:

“Many people in Hedge End have an armed forces background. On the doorstep over the last few months I have met with people who are concerned with local issues but are also keen to discuss matters affecting our nation. When they go to vote on May 7 this will be one of the issues on their mind when casting their ballots.”

In a separate statement issued over the weekend Mims Davies hailed David Cameron’s pledge to raise the inheritance tax threshold if the Conservatives win the General Election.

The Conservative candidate said:

“People who have saved and put their hard-earned money into their home shouldn’t have to pay inheritance tax when they pass it on their children.

“That’s why this new allowance is great news for people who have worked hard, saved and want to pass on their home to their children in Eastleigh. It will effectively increase the Inheritance Tax threshold to £1 million for married couples – taking the family home out of inheritance tax.”